The longtime choir director at Brookfield Central High School embezzled nearly $50,000 from the program and used the funds to pay down personal debts and purchase a gravesite, a criminal complaint alleges.

Phillip Olson, of West Bend, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of felony theft.

According to the criminal complaint, an accounting review for the period from 2010 to 2015 turned up the embezzlement from accounts that Olson had set up for the choir but was using for personal expenses. The complaint said Olson admitted to setting up a secret account that he could access for personal expenses, ranging from $25,000 in cash advances at casinos and purchases of groceries, electronics and a gravesite.

"Especially because I think the fine arts are always trying to get more money and funding since it's not so easily available as other programs in the school, it's very upsetting," said parent Karen Ratay.

The 53-year-old worked for the district for nearly 24 years. He was fired last April, a few weeks after the alleged theft was discovered.

In a statement, a district spokesman said changes have been made to accounting procedures to prevent a repeat incident. The changes include a reduction in student activity accounts, the tightening of cash handling procedures and additional student and staff involvement in all financial activities.

Olson is ordered to make an initial court appearance Sept. 19.

WISN 12 NEWS has learned that Olson is now the choral director at the Milwaukee School of Languages, an MPS school.